UK Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Resigns
Sue Gray, the Chief of Staff to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has officially stepped down from her position. Gray is expected to assume a new responsibility as the Prime Minister’s envoy for nations and regions. This move follows her involvement in internal disagreements, particularly concerning her salary, which was reportedly higher than the Prime Minister’s. Morgan McSweeney, who previously served as the Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser, will take over from Gray. Keir Starmer expressed gratitude for Gray’s contributions, especially for her role in preparing the government for its current agenda. Gray, who gained attention for her investigation into the pandemic-related parties at Downing Street, leaves amid ongoing discussions regarding her influence within Downing Street.
Labour Party Reacts As Kenneth Okonkwo Dumps Peter Obi
By Doris Isreal Ijeoma The Labour Party (LP), has reacted to the decision of veteran actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, to dissociate himself from the leadership of Peter Obi. Labour Party in a statement on Sunday while condemning the attack on Obi, said they are not surprised by Okonkwo’s decision. Okonkwo in announcing his decision on Sunday, said Obi lacks the capacity to rally the party and lead as expected. However, the party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said Okonkwo smuggled himself into the presidential campaign team of Obi during the 2023 elections, and they are not surprised by his decision. Ifoh added that Okonkwo is only seeking attention with his actions and Nigerians don’t need political jobbers like him. The LP statement further stated that the party is aware of the moles within its ranks who are sure to be exposed and fumigated. It also reaffirmed the Labour Party’s decision to stand with Peter Obi and present him as the party’s candidate for the 2027 elections. According to the statement, “If you recall, recently a former Director General of the party’s presidential campaign organisation resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, a former deputy Director General of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC. “Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us. “Needless to say that Nigeria is not in want of political jesters and jobbers whose stomach are their gods. Labour Party is not perturbed by his decision to move on and in fact, we wish him well in his future endeavours, whether in acting, law practice, politics or otherwise. “We also wish to note here, that the party is aware of a few other persons who are planted as moles, who are presently instigating crisis within the party, and who have unsuccessfully attempted to hijack the party for the use of their paymasters. We urge them to act fast and do the needful before they are exposed and fumigated out of the party. “Labour Party is keeping to its decision to stand with Peter Obi as its leader and presidential hopefully come 2027 presidential election and we are not apologetical about that position. “Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in anyway diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly, the Obidients and youths in Nigeria have in him. We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023 and they will speak even louder come 2027.”
Labour Party Suspends Nollywood Actress, Hilda Dokubo
By Doris Isreal Ijeoma The Labour Party (LP) has suspended Nollywood actress cum politician, Hilda Dokubo over alleged financial misconduct. Dokubo was suspended as a member of the Labour Party at her ward in Asari Toru Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. She was accused of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of party regulations, among others. Dokubo, the Labour Party’s acting chairperson in Rivers State, was suspended on Thursday following an emergency meeting of the party’s ward executive committee held on July 15. The suspension was conveyed through a letter addressed to the LP’s chairman of Asari Toru and signed by the ward Chairman, Ajalamonia Ibama; the Secretary, Lole Amacheer; and the Treasurer, Emmanuel Ibamathe. Other signatories to the letter include the Women Leader, Osaki Dieypiriye, and the Publicity Secretary, Osaki Dokubo. The ward executives said the decision followed a thorough investigation into the allegations against the 54-year-old actress. They argued that substantial evidence had been uncovered to support their claims. In 2022, Dokubo declared interest in contesting the Asalga/Akulga federal constituency in the House of Representatives under the Labour Party after two decades in the Nollywood industry. The thespian made her Nollywood debut during her youth service in a 1992 film titled ‘Evil Passion’, and has featured in several other films including ‘Gone Forever’, ‘End of the Wicked’, and ‘My Goodwill’.
Peter Obi’s Ally Dumps Labour Party For APC
By Doris Isreal Ijeoma A former National Deputy Campaign Manager for Obi/Datti in the 2023 presidential election, Isaac Balami has dumped the Labour Party (LP) and returned to his former party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). Balami announced his decision in a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. Speaking on his reason for dumping the party, the Nigerian Aviation expert explained that President Bola Tinubu has shocked him in just one year in office with regard to the Muslim-Muslim ticket which Balami himself was against. He explained that he dumped the APC ahead of the last presidential elections because of the ticket. However, he has now seen that it actually means nothing. The former number three man of Peter Obi’s campaign organization said he had thought that Labour Party had all it takes to take over Nigeria and restructure it on the path of progress but regretted that the leadership crisis in the party and some obvious leadership incompetence had destroyed the party. According to him, ” Tinubu has so far empowered more Christian Northerners and other Muslim ethnic nationalities since Nigeria returned back to Democracy. There is nothing that trips me like equity and fairness,” “No president has ever worked with the middle belt like President Bola Tinubu. “That was not what I saw when I left. I now see a better party and a better government. I can see a Nigeria that in a few years will thrive and I think it is only important for us to work with APC in its effort to rescue this country. “Consequently, after consulting widely with leaders across Nigeria, the middle-belt caucus, my parents and my immediate family, it becomes expedient that I resign from the Labour Party. I will now return back to the APC. Balami said he was happy with the level of inclusiveness under the current administration. Speaking on LP crisis, the politician said, “There is every indication that Nigeria cannot be redeemed through the Labour Party. As I move with my entire structure back to my former party, I urge them to join me in working with the APC to redeem our dear country.” Recall that the Balami, while moving to the Labour Party a year ago, said he was sacrificing for the good of the country and thousands of Nigerian youths who believed in him.
Tinubu mourns Labour Party lawmaker
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the National Assembly and the Kaduna State Government over the passing of Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, a lawmaker representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State in the House of Representatives. The President also extended his condolences to the family and friends of the late lawmaker, urging them to find solace in the Almighty and in the legacy of the deceased. President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker and strength to his family. Ekene died on Tuesday morning after battling an unknown illness. He was 39 years old.
Senate suspends legislative activities over Rep member Adams’ death
The Senate on Tuesday, July 16, suspended all legislative activities for the day to honour the late Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, a member of the House of Representatives. Hon Adams who represented Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna state, reportedly died on Tuesday morning after a brief illness. He was the chairman of the House Committee on Sports. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the death of Adams during the commencement of plenary. The Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the late lawmaker and thereafter adjourned legislative activities for the day.
Thugs clash as anti-Abure protesters storm LP Secretariat
An angry mob suspected to be thugs loyal to the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), attacked protesters believed to be party supporters from the Edo State chapter who were at the party secretariat to demand Abure’s ouster. Trouble began when the anti- Abure protesters stormed the party headquarters in a number of vehicles holding placards and chanting solidarity songs. No sooner than some of the protesters stepped out of one of the vehicles that the suspected thugs swooped on the vehicles with sticks and other objects forcing the drivers to zoom off. A detachment of armed policemen and operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) intervened when the thugs started throwing stones into the nearby Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, in pursuit of reporters who were covering the fracas. The intervention of the security officials prevented the situation from further degenerating. A police vehicle is currently stationed in between the warring factions.
Six Labour Party Lawmakers Defect To PDP
Six members of the Labour Party at the Enugu State House of Assembly have officially decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The lawmakers had attempted to defect last Sunday in an elaborate party at the Okpara Square but the event came to an abrupt end. Party supporters were asked to leave Okpara Square, the proposed venue of the event. However, on Thursday during plenary at the state House of Assembly complex, the lawmakers made their defection known in a letter read by the speaker, Hon. Uche Ugwu. According to the speaker, the defecting members include Mr. Ejike Nwa Nsukka, (Igbo-Eze North 1); Mr. Johnson Ugwu (Enugu North); Ms. Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural); Mr. Pius Onyeka Ezugwu (Nsukka West); Mr. Williams T. Amuka (Igbo-Etiti East) and Mr. Osita Eze (Oji River). The speaker said that their defection was a result of the “existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the Labour Party at the national level and across all the state chapters.” He continued: “Regrettably, the party has evolved into a state of perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles thereby undermining its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people. “The Labour Party once a beacon of hope for progressive ideas has regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate”. They cited the cases of the Abure and Apapa factions as well as the national treasurer as some of the divisions within the party.
Labour Party Suspends Enugu Youth Leader
The Labour Party (LP) has suspended the Youth Leader for Obimo/Ikwoka Ward Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State, Onyekachi Philip Ugwu. This decision was made after the Ward Executive Committee and party stakeholders passed a vote of no confidence against him. A statement released on Wednesday, signed by the Labour Party ward Chairman, Ozor Chigbogu, and Secretary, Sabastine Ugwuoke, confirmed the suspension. The party accused Ugwu of engaging in anti-party activities and other suspicious actions that are detrimental to the reputation and values of the Labour Party. The letter also instructed Ugwu to hand over all party belongings within the next 48 hours. Furthermore, he was warned not to present himself as the Party Youth Leader until the disciplinary committee makes its recommendation. Details of the suspension letter read: “VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE AND SUSPENSION OF MR UGWU ONYEKACHI PHILIP AS A MEMBER AND YOUTH LEADER OF THE LABOUR PARTY OBIMO IKWOKA WARD “This is to communicate you the decision of the Ward Executive Committee and stakeholders of Labour Party in Obimo/Ikwoka on your suspension as a member and Youth Leader in the ward. The resolution for your suspension follows after the consideration and deliberation on your engagement in anti-party activities and other suspicious activities that are detrimental to the reputation and values of the party. “By this notice, you are required to submit all party items in your custody to the Chairman within the next 48 hours and cease to parade yourself as the Party Youth Leader, pending the recommendation of the disciplinary committee. “We expect your full compliance in this matter. If you have any question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact the party leadership. Sincerely.”
Rhodes-Vivour’s Running Mate Resigns From Labour Party
Princess Islamiyat Abiodun Oyefusi, the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, has officially resigned from the party. Oyefusi conveyed her decision in a letter addressed to her ward chairman, expressing gratitude to Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for the political opportunity as his running mate. The resignation, outlined in the letter, stated, “I can no longer see myself aligning with the current values of Labour Party or as a member of Labour Party, and the time has come for me to move forward.” Oyefusi highlighted the past 10 months of her political career as interesting and thanked supporters across Lagos State and Nigeria for their dedication during the 2023 electioneering period. Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about collaborating with her team and supporters in the future to work towards shared goals, emphasizing the vision of freeing Lagos from one-party politics and contributing to a better Nigeria.